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Firebaugh began its existence as a ferry crossing and a stop on the Butterfield Overland Stage route. Andrew Davidson Firebaugh was a soldier in Major James Savage’s Mariposa Battalion, the unit that discovered Yosemite Valley in 1851. By 1854, Firebaugh had moved to the west side of the valley and was arming near the Coast Range and the San Joaquin River -- the second largest river in California.
The San Joaquin was difficult to cross so Firebaugh decided to start
a ferry business and a trading post. Called Firebaugh’s Ferry, the trading
post was located on the site of the present-day city of Firebaugh.
In 1856-57, Firebaugh built a toll road on the old Indian trail over the mountains that became known as Pacheco Pass. In 1858, Firebaugh’s Ferry became a stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail route. On March 13, 1860, a post office was established and Firebaugh became so busy that he sold his business.
In the late 1870s, a sheep-shearing corral was built in the town for use of nearby sheep men including the Miller and Lux ranches. Four years later, the Southern Pacific Railroad built a branch line south from Los Banos to Fresno that went through Firebaugh.
Firebaugh was incorporated in 1914 and grows a wide variety of crops including cotton, alfalfa, melons, tomatoes, asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli and onions. More garlic is grown in the Firebaugh area than in Gilroy!
Historical Information from "The Heartland's Heritage", written by Catherine Rehart
| Firebaugh Wagon Train Schedule |  |
|
| Assembly Information: | Wednesday, April 5th | |
| 4:00 pm | ||
| Firebaugh Rodeo Grounds | ||
| 1655 13th Street | ||
| Participating School: | Mills Intermediate | |
| Superintendent: | Wayne Walters | |
| Evening Schedule: | 5:00 pm | Dinner |
| 6:00 -- 9:00 pm | Wagon Train Activities | |
| 9:00 pm | Camp Lights Out | |
| Departure Information: | Thursday, April 6th | |
| 9:00 -- 10:00 am | ||
| Morning Schedule: | 6:00 am | Rise |
| 7:00 -- 8:00 am | Breakfast & Chores | |
| 8:00 -- 9:00 am | Preparation For Departure | |
| 9:00 -- 10:00 am | Send Off Ceremony | |
| Head to Mendota! |
Please Contact Carole Lester, Fresno Historical Society for further
details.
559.441.0862 fresnocounty150@aol.com
Check back to this page for images from
the Sesquicentennial Wagon Train as we
“Celebrate The Journey” through Fresno County!